​​Spencer-Owen Community Schools Food Service

How are the menus planned?

Menus are planned at the district level. The menus must meet certain guidelines as set forth by the U.S. government as part of the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program. Menus are broken down by and planned for all elementary schools, OVMS and OVHS. Various choices are available daily at each school.

 

Are school meals healthy?

Yes! Menus are required to meet the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. There are no fryers in any SOCS school. All foods served are steamed or oven baked to assure no additional fats are incorporated into the product. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are available daily in every school. The Government Accounting Office (GAO) reports that “children who eat school meals consume more fruits, vegetables, whole 

grains and dairy items than children who do not eat school meals.”

 

What are commodities, and are these items of good quality?

Commodities are food items that are allocated by the USDA and ordered by schools depending upon availability. Commodities must meet high quality specifications as do all of our food purchases. Commodities are offered at a reduced cost. This allows the department to keep food costs down and, therefore, keep meal prices reasonable.  Commodities are allocated by the State and sent to select manufacturers for processing. 

 

Is the food donated by the USDA free?

No. We are assigend commodity dollars each year according to our lunch participation. We then use these dollars to send pounds of chicken, cheese, potatoes, beef, pork, eggs, etc. to processors. We then either put these products on our yearly food bid or purchase the foods directly from the processor at a discounted price. 

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Why purchase a school meal?

• Nutritious meals reflect the Dietary Guidelines.

• Food is safe and sanitary.

• Cost is less than bringing an equally nutritious meal from home.

• Several choices are available daily.

 

I receive free or reduced price lunch and breakfast. What exactly can I purchase at this price?

The free or reduced price is for a reimbursable meal only . You must meet the requirements of this meal to receive the meal at a free or reduced price. You can purchase ala carte outside of this, but it will not be included in a free or reduced price meal. Multiple entrée choices are offered at each school. You may purchase any entrée as part of your free or reduced price meal.

 

 

Will the other students know if I receive free or reduced price meals?

No. You will purchase meals just as any other student. There is nothing on the cashiers’ screens that would show that you receive free or reduced price meals.

 

How are meal payments made?

The food service department uses a computerized meal payment program. Students are issued a personal meal account with a corresponding keypad number. Staff is encouraged to have a meal account which can be established with the Unit Leader in each school. Students or staff may make prepayment for meals by the week, month, or longer to the cafeteria staff in each school. Payment for meals is accepted by check or cash. Prepayment is encouraged as this expedites the service to the student through the serving line, allowing more time to eat, and reduces the need for daily cash handling. 

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I have students in more than one school. Can they share a lunch account?

Each student has their own individual lunch number & account. Unfortunately, we can no longer join accounts into a "shared account". We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. 

 

 

Why is pricing different for an adult or guest purchasing a meal? 

The food service program receives varying amounts of reimbursement for each student meal it serves; however, no funds are received for adult meals. As a result, an adult is charged a la carte pricing which reflects the actual cost of the meal.